Life & Work with Raquel Souza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Souza.

Raquel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thank you for having me. My story starts in Brazil, where I grew up in a small rural country town with big dreams. I had a passion for beauty and always dreamed of owning my own business.

My family are hardworking, successful produce farmers. They installed all the right values in me to create a base for success. My hero is my dad, who is a very honest and humble man.

When I was 19, I made a bold decision to come to the United States, against my families wishes, in pursuit of the “American Dream”. I arrived with very little money and barely spoke any English. It was a scary start, but I was determined to make something of myself.

I worked multiple jobs a week for years to make ends meet and to fund the education I knew I would need one day to start my own business.

When I came to Atlanta, I saw that no one was prioritizing the use of high-quality products and techniques and contributed to them having a bad or mediocre experience. Ultimately, my vision was to empower clients to feel their best selves through a specialized grooming service that prioritizes both comfort and quality.

The WHY behind my wax business revolves around offering a service that promotes confidence and self-care. For many clients, getting a Brazilian wax is about feeling confident and clean and maintaining personal hygiene. It’s often seen for customers feeling comfortable in one’s skin, especially during activities like swimming or wearing certain types of clothes.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes, as a business owner there are moments of doubts that stem from various sources and times in my business life, like: financial struggles, fierce competition, staffing issues, or even personal burnout.

These setbacks are temporary, and I find that persistence and perseverance through these tough times is key. I must stay focused on my goals, keep setting realistic expectations, seek support, and continuously adapt to challenges. What I find important is finding time for self-care and mindfulness. It’s very crucial to take time for yourself and reflect and get your mind healthy.

There were many external obstacles that I was faced with when starting my business.

1. Staffing and Training: Finding and retaining skilled and reliable staff is a challenge. Overcoming this is to create a positive work culture, providing ongoing training, and offering competitive compensation and benefits.

2. Competition in the Market: Competition in the beauty and grooming industry is fierce. To stand out, you need to specialize, offer unique products, and have exceptional customer service.

3. Building a Client Base: Attracting and retaining clients can be a challenge, especially in the beginning. We offered promotions, referral bonuses, and loyalty programs to entice new clients and keep them coming back.

4. Regulatory Compliance: Meeting health and safety regulations is crucial in the waxing business. Overcoming this obstacle involves thorough research, regular compliance checks, and investing in training for staff.

5. Economic Challenges: Economic downturns and fluctuations can impact consumer spending. We are always looking to diversify our service offerings, target different client demographics, or implement cost-effective marketing strategies during lean times.

The key I have found to overcome most obstacles in business is a combination of resilience, adaptability, and a customer-centric approach to business.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I brought the ancient art of sugaring hair removal to Atlanta. We use 100% natural ingredients: sugar, lemon juice, and water, and since the sugar only sticks to the hair (not the skin) and pulls in the direction of hair growth, you get a gentler experience without the redness, irritation or ingrown hairs and you are left with soft, silky, hair-free skin. Sugaring Paste is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. You can even eat our paste-like candy.

I opened the first Sweet Peach Wax & Sugaring Studio in the Virginia Highlands, Georgia in 2012. I made sure my business had something unique to offer compared to other businesses in my field. When I opened my first location, I knew that there were already so many waxing studios in Atlanta. What Atlanta did not have was sugaring, and in Brazil, sugaring was something I had done for years and something people did at home. So, I brought the sugaring method to the city and the state, setting me apart from the rest.

I opened the second Atlanta-area location in Buckhead in 2014 and today I have six locations throughout the metro Atlanta area with a loyal following, including numerous media personalities and A-list celebs. In terms of growth, in 2012, I saw four hundred people per month, and today, my staff and I see over 3600 clients per month at each of our six locations. The revenue of Sweet Peach has grown substantially as well.

My focus is to support and lead other woman as they grow their own businesses by using my voice and platform to guide them to achieve their goals. Working alongside other passionate entrepreneurs also helps to empower my own personal success.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Growing up, money was always a topic filled with both challenge and resilience in my family. We didn’t have a lot, but my parents were incredibly resourceful. They instilled in me the value of hard work and the importance of being smart with finances.

An example that comes to mind is how my parents managed our household budget. They were meticulous about tracking expenses and prioritizing needs over wants. There was a clear distinction between essential spending and discretionary spending. I remember vividly that we rarely ate out or splurged on unnecessary items. Every purchase was carefully considered.

Moreover, they emphasized the concept of saving for the future. Even with limited income, they made it a priority to set aside a portion for savings, teaching me the importance of having a financial safety net.

Their approach to money wasn’t about restricting oneself but rather about being mindful and responsible. They taught me that money was a tool to achieve goals, provide security, and create opportunities, but it required respect and careful management.

This upbringing shaped my early perspective on money, fostering a sense of prudence, resourcefulness, and a strong work ethic that has stayed with me throughout my journey as an entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sweetpeachwax.com

Image Credits
Sara Hanna Jonathan Orasco